Lightning strike leaves its mark at Ironwood

Ironwood Golf Course superintendent Rob Hale looks at the Hole No. 9 green after it was hit by lightning during an early morning storm Monday, June 27, 2011, in Normal. The blast didn’t leave any damage on the green or strike the flagstick, but a lightning image usually seen in the sky was left as an imprint that stretches about 20 feet across on the front of the green.

Those playing in the Country Youth Classic at Ironwood Golf Course this week will notice a unique pattern when getting up to the green at No. 9.

Lightning hit the green during an early-morning thunderstorm Monday. The blast didn’t leave any damage on the green or strike the flagstick, but a dendritic pattern similar to how lightning is seen in the sky was left as an imprint that stretches about 20 feet across the front of the green.

Ironwood superintendent Rob Hale said the lightning strike shouldn’t affect the green during the tournament.